Using Laptops Effectively in Higher Education

1
Using Laptops Effectively in Higher Education

• Dr. Robin Kay
• University of Ontario Institute of Technology
• Presented at E-Learn 2004, Washington, DC.

2
Underlying Philosophy

• If one of your goals is to make students more
  proficient in using computers,
• Laptops are the way to go
• The lecture format is ineffective it simply
  does not work well
• Laptops can change the fundamental way education
  is delivered

3
Overview
Sound Pedagogical Theory
Best Practices
The Results
4
Sound Pedagogical Theory

• Cooperative Learning (Johnson Johnson,1994)
• Constructivism (Bruner, 1983, 1986 Vygotsky,
  1978)
• Learning Styles (Gardner, 1983)
• Problem Based Learning (Collins, et. al., 1989)
• Higher-Level Thinking Skills (Resnick, 1989)
• Connect to Real World Knowledge (Lampert, 1986)
• Applying Knowledge (Carroll, 1990)

5
Best Practices

• Debates
• Case Studies
• Research
• Surveys
• Digital Video
• Lesson Plans

• Java Applets
• Streamed Videos
• Fast Feedback
• Posting Solutions
• Online Discussion
• Mini Clips

6
Debates
7
Case Studies
8
Research
9
Online Survey
10
Digital Videos
11
Lesson Plans
12
Java Applets
13
Streamed Videos
14
Fast Feedback
15
Posting Solutions
16
Online Discussion
17
Mini Clips
18
The Results

• Attitude
• Ability
• Levelling the playing field

19
Attitudes
p lt .001
20
Ability
Before
After
p lt .001
21
Levelling the Playing Field

• Individual differences in ability between males
  and females disappeared after 8 months
• Individual difference between beginners and
  experts disappeared after 8 months

22
Summary

• Pedagogy must be there
• Use Inside class does key advantage
• Bottom Line
• Engages students
• Improves attitude ability
• Acts as an equalizer

23
Contact Information

• Robin Kay
• robin.kay_at_uoit.ca
• Website for Paper Presentation
• faculty.uoit.ca/kay/elearn2004/elearn2004.htm